Kazakhstan Observes Earth Hour 2026, Promotes Ecotourism and Environmental Awareness
Astana, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstan on March 28 joined the global Earth Hour initiative, marking its 17th participation in the annual environmental campaign, with a special focus this year on the development of ecotourism, according to the Ministry of Ecology.
At exactly 8:30 p.m. local time, lights were switched off for one hour across homes, offices, streets, and major landmarks nationwide as a symbolic gesture of commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
World Wildlife Fund, the organizer of Earth Hour, calls on individuals, communities, and institutions worldwide to turn off non-essential lights and appliances for one hour to highlight concerns about climate change and the future of the planet.
More than 500 locations across Kazakhstan participated in this year’s campaign by dimming or turning off illumination at iconic landmarks and institutions, including the Akorda Presidential Palace, Baiterek Monument, Palace of Independence, and Hazrat Sultan Mosque, as well as sports facilities, educational institutions, and industrial headquarters.
Globally, Earth Hour remains the world’s largest environmental movement, with participation from over 2 billion people in more than 7,000 cities across 180 countries. The 2026 edition marked the 19th observance of the initiative.
Kazakh authorities emphasized that the campaign aims to foster a sense of responsibility toward nature, encourage sustainable practices, and raise awareness about the conservation of natural resources for future generations.
